Asian fisheries today: The production and use of low value/trash fish from marine fisheries in the Asia-Pacific region

Simon Funge-Smith, Erik Lindebo and Derek Staples, (2005) RAP Publication 2005/16 

Throughout the Asia-Pacific region, captured and cultured marine fisheries continue to play an important role in the economies of many countries, especially in support of food security and poverty alleviation. Marine fisheries resources have been largely overexploited and, as a result, development of coastal aquaculture has been encouraged to provide a source of protein, income, employment and export earnings in many countries. Such a policy trend implies, however, that sufficient food for aquaculture production will be available. Inevitably, a dangerous spiral has evolved where the demand for low value/trash fish has led to increased fishing pressure on already degraded resources, raising important questions regarding the social, economic and ecological costs and benefits of the system and its sustainability. This publication examines production trends and uses of low value/trash fish in the region, as well as issues associated with the rapid development of the aquaculture industry and the increasing demand for fish by consumers. The sustainability of the current system and future prospects are also examined, and important questions are raised for further research to slow down or halt the vicious spiral that has developed.